Two Huntingdonshire MPs have spoken out to condemn the riots that are taking place across the UK.

Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, and Ian Sollom, the Liberal Democrat MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, have described the riots as, "horrific" and, "despicable".

Riots have erupted in areas including Bolton and Rotherham which have seen mosques targeted as well as hotels housing asylum seekers.

The violent protests, which have been described as "far-right thuggery" by Prime Minister Kier Starmer, began after three girls were killed in a horrifying stabbing attack in Southport.

Bebe King, 6, Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9 were all killed at a Taylor Swift dance workshop in Southport on July 29. Five other children and two adults were taken to hospital. 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana has been charged with three counts of murder.

Ian Sollom, the Lib Dem MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, described the riots as despicable.

 

Ian Sollom, the Lib Dem MP for St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, described the riots as despicable. (Image: Ian Sollom)

 

In response to the events that have taken place since July 29, Ian Sollom MP said: "The worsening rioting over the last few days has been despicable. Attacking mosques, breaking into hotels housing asylum seekers, targeting black and Asian individuals - these are shameful acts.

"Those committing them are not protesting: their actions speak for no-one but themselves and their own criminality. Prosecution is a priority.

"These riots do not represent a breakdown of our country's compassionate and open society. A tiny minority is exploiting the grief of a community and the families of the girls murdered in Southport.

"Prominent far-right commentators and social media accounts are whipping up anger with lies and distortions in an attempt to tear at the social fabric of our nation and advance their divisive politics. 

"They will not succeed. We have seen that in the response from the people of Southport and across the UK. I know that the people of St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire reject the racism of the rioters. We have diverse origins and backgrounds. We will continue to stand together for everyone in our community."

Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, said that the riots are horrific.Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative MP for Huntingdon, said that the riots are "horrific". (Image: Ben Obese-Jecty)

The MP for Huntingdon, Ben Obese-Jecty, said: "The scenes of violence, thuggery, disorder and mob rule in cities across the country have been horrific; an absolute disgrace.

"As police officers risk their own safety to tackle these riots, many sustaining injuries in the process.

"It's vital that order is restored and those responsible for the unrest are made to feel the full weight of the law. There must be consequences."